Christian Pulisic has not found the net for the USMNT since 2024, extending a concerning dry spell amid mounting pressure. In Tuesday's 2-0 defeat to Portugal in Atlanta, manager Mauricio Pochettino positioned the AC Milan forward centrally as a makeshift No. 9, yet he generated minimal threat before halftime withdrawal. With the World Cup nearing, historical delivery in high-stakes fixtures offers reassurance despite recent inconsistencies.
Breakout 2024-25 Fuels Expectations
Pulisic produced his finest season yet for AC Milan in 2024-25, registering 20 goals and assists in Italy's top flight to rank fourth overall. Including Champions League and cup outings, that total reached 27 contributions, establishing him as the club's standout creator. Such output elevated perceptions of his capabilities, though his career has long featured talent exceeding raw numbers.
Injuries Derail Early 2025-26 Momentum
Skipping the Gold Cup afforded Pulisic a vital physical and mental reset after an arduous campaign, a choice endorsed by former USMNT forward Charlie Davies. Under Max Allegri's 3-5-2 setup, he began 2025-26 sharply as a second striker, fueling Milan's title push. A knock versus Australia sidelined him briefly, followed by muscular issues; between October 14 and February 18, he started seven contests across competitions, substituted in seven more, and netted once against Hellas Verona.
Clinical Edge Evaporates in 2026
Pulisic's shot volume dipped in key draws and losses, such as eight attempts (two on target) in a 1-1 stalemate with Genoa amid 32 team efforts. Against Parma, three shots yielded none on frame in a 1-0 reversal; similar waste marked outings versus Cremonese, Inter, and Lazio. In the latter, five efforts faced blocks, misses, or saves despite strong possession and chance creation near the box. Off-field friction surfaced too, as a spurned pass to Rafael Leão sparked dressing-room rumors swiftly denied.
Tactical Risks Fail to Ignite Spark
Pochettino sought to jolt Pulisic centrally against Portugal, isolating him without nearby support to encourage shots. This clashed with his drifting style, limiting him to 12 passes, zero chances created, and three attempts—all off target—in 45 minutes. Alternatives existed: pairing him with Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, or Patrick Agyemang centrally to exploit space. A needless yellow risked ejection, underscoring the experiment's flaws.
World Cup Pedigree Endures
Pulisic's post-match vow of change carries weight given past clutch interventions, including strikes versus Inter and Liverpool plus an FA Cup final assist against Arsenal. Inconsistencies define his profile, yet big-moment reliability persists. Calibrating expectations around tournament peaks, not routine tallies, positions the USMNT favorably if he recaptures that edge.